Book Accessory & Reading Accessory Ideas for Home Library etc. » Book accessories

Collectible pens

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:21:54 +0000

Library ownership has been always inseparable from writing, whether this activity was limited to personal notes and correspondences or rose to the heights of literary accomplishments that were destined to outlive their authors. Pens and quills always went alongside with books. In our digital age, unfortunately, superb writing instruments became almost obsolete. They can, however, be successfully used as decorative accessories in a personal library or study. These slick metal objects look great on any desk, especially in a pen holder or a special pen display box. Vintage pens can be rather expensive, but they can be seen as great collector items. Many modern manufacturers of quality pens continue the tradition of excellency: Cross, Parker, Cartier. In view of the eventual demise of handwriting (sorry to break the news!) you will soon be able to buy the very last of mass produced pens — historic artifacts that will be treasured for generations to come.

Home library, Regency style

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:27:34 +0000

This 1816 etching by John Britton represents a typical home library during Regency. The library is located at Cassiobury Park and it was used similarly to many other home libraries of the time — it was essentially the most important room of the house and could be easily referred to as a family sitting room. A group of small dogs in the front sufficiently demonstrates the openness of this library to anyone and anything. At the same time, all traditional library features are present and their style is unmistakable. We see built-in bookcases that are architectural in nature. In other such libraries you would often see (apart from the books, obviously) various antiquities and curiosities. Small private museums of this sort had a long history, but in Georgian times and in the early 19th century the trend became very popular. As far as architectural styles, Regency designers preferred neoclassical decor, howver Gothic influences were also quite common at the discretion of individual owners who were inspired by the love of all things Medieval (as interpreted by novelists and poets). The furniture of this particular home library is typical Regency style (note the Grecian chairs), but the general tone has a certain Gothic air.

I am including some additional samples of Regency library furniture. I especially like the library steps

Bathtub caddy with a book stand

admin — Sat, 08 May 2010 16:02:24 +0000

Not all book accessories are meant for use in traditional book-friendly environments. This ingenious, although potentially dangerous contraption allows one to read in a bathtub, only occasionally touching the book to turn pages. You can probably even place some snacks and a glass of wine on the same caddy. I know people who would love this book stand, despite all.

Globes as book accessories

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:44:23 +0000

Geographical globes should and can be considered a sort of book accessory! Envision a distinguished gentleman who is reading in his study. Every once in a while he looks at a large globe, just to get a better idea of distances between remote parts of the British Empire, described in the book. And so on. These days, the gentleman would probably use Google Earth. But you still cannot beat the look of an old globe. It creates a visual departure from the rectangles dominating your home library or office. Another good thing is that because we no longer rely on globes as sources of geographical knowledge antique globes and their replicas can give any book-filled space that desired old-timey look! Probably the most renowned company that makes such replicas is Authentic Models.

If your desk space is crowded, try a standalone globe. There are even bookends that feature small globes.

Candle holders for reading: an antique book accessory

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:21:58 +0000

Modern book lights are highly evolved and specialized, despite the fact that numerous sources of light are available in any contemporary home. As one would expect, prior to the era of electricity, sources of light were adapted to specific uses. It means that among book accessories that are not necessarily useful, but nevertheless of great decorative value are candlesticks for reading. You can also use the traditional candle holder designs in modern light fixtures. So, what specifically makes a candlestick suitable for reading? Two things are most important in my opinion:

Such candlesticks must provide plenty of light — you will need at least two or three candles. If you are all about authenticity don’t buy scented candles.
Candlesticks for reading beginning in late 18th century often had a very useful feature. They were equipped with shades to shield the eyes during reading. If you ever had to read with a single unshaded lamp bulb you should appreciate this innovation! Such shades must be made out of inflammable materials, e.g. bronze. Metallic surfaces also help direct the light onto the surface of the page, greatly improving the brightness — this way two modest candles can provide plenty of light for reading. Keep in mind that such candle holders are rare these days, because most candlesticks today are purely decorative. I would imagine that antique candle holders that were designed primarily for readers are an excellent collector’s item. They would look great an a traditional home library or home office.

BookGem book holder

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:24:54 +0000

It is not often that one sees book accessories advertised through YouTube. This little book holder is alright, I suppose. It is easy to notice some hesitation with which the inventor of the device talks about page turning. This is by far the weakest spot in any book holder. BookGem works great with Kindle and other book readers, but I feel like with those there is less pressure to use a book holder – they are much simpler to use, do the form factor.

Bookmark holder

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:14:46 +0000

Even if you end up using one bookmark per book and leave in the book pretty much forever, a bookmark holder is a necessary, albeit somewhat overlooked accessory. This way you will always know where to look when you are beginning to read a new book.

Bookmark holders are typically made out of plastic, cardboard, leather or cloth. It is extremely easy to design one or even customized it. A great crafts project, too!

Lighted magnifying glass

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:52:32 +0000

Modern technologies made lighted magnifying glass a very simple thing to implement. LED lights provide ample light, they are inexpensive, easily powered and relatively “cold”. The last circumstance makes them ideal even for working with antique books and maps, as you will be unlikely to cause any damage. Lighted magnifiers also relieve the reader of the need to use other sources of light at all times. Not only this saves electricity, but also helps maintain a cozy somewhat dimmed environment in the library — something that so many book owners cherish above all.

Here are several stylish designs for lighted magnifying glasses. In terms of functionality, my advice is to look at the number of LED lights. A single LED may not provide you adequate and even lighting.

Decorative magnifying glass

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:50:28 +0000

Many pages, maps etc. are published expressly to be used with a magnifying glass. A portable version of the great Oxford English Dictionary even comes with its own magnifying glass! The usefulness of this device cannot be denied. One also should not overlook (no pun intended) the decorative value of a magnifying glass. As such, it can be an excellent addition to your home library, whether you use it or not. There are several variations of magnifying glasses that can serve as elements of decor.

A magnifying glass can have its own little stand where it is placed when not in use (i.e. most of the time).

A special stand can also relieve the scholar of the need to hold the magnifying glass while reading, and also, as an added feature, creates interest in the magnifier itself, making it a prominent object on the desk in your home library.

Perhaps not so elegant, but still a valid solution is to have a special case that houses your magnifier. Everything here will depend on the quality of material and design.

Or you can opt for an open case design, as in this beautiful set. Note that the decorative value increases when you have more than one object of the same kind. Now it’s a collection!

Antique magnifiers of the highest quality are usually somewhat affordable, they show great detail and work just as well.

Book corners

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:24:14 +0000

Metal book corners (plastic, leather and cardboard corners are also widely used) are generally found under the category of bookbinding supplies. However, they can be used on existing books in need of repair, preservation or simply to improve their aesthetic appearance.

Little pieces of metal slip over the corners of book covers. Then their backs crimped in the back and thus the entire corner is secured in place.